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Speculate!: PS3 SKUs
- Thread starter Zaptruder
- Start date
sonycowboy
Member
Prine said:
:lol :lol :lol
Only if Sony plans on 3rd place this generation.
Deku said:
I'm really confused now.
A single SKU from Sony is a good idea to prevent fragmentation, even if it doesn't include a HDD? Yet a $299 X360 without a HDD is a bad idea? Effectively the core X360 is the base SKU, and so there isn't any fragmentation - just another SKU with some accessories. The basic model is one without a HDD, just like you are mentioning for PS3.
I say one $399 SKU
PS3, one wireless Bluetooth controller, HD cables and either a remote or a headset.
No HD.
Sony will make a fairly high capacity HD available as an option and be priced no higher than the optional low capacity drive MS has.
I think the PS3 shown will be pretty much the one that ships. Sony wants the connectivity.
PS3, one wireless Bluetooth controller, HD cables and either a remote or a headset.
No HD.
Sony will make a fairly high capacity HD available as an option and be priced no higher than the optional low capacity drive MS has.
I think the PS3 shown will be pretty much the one that ships. Sony wants the connectivity.
fortified_concept
Banned
Prine said:
You wish.
fortified_concept
Banned
mrklaw said:
Playstation fans never got used to hdd in the first place. Microsoft with Xbox1 lost 4-5 billion dollars (iirc) to create a userbase. They didn't do as well as they expected (well their expectations of 100 million users were kinda high) but they did better than many had predicted. So what they do with that userbase they spent so much to create? They confuse them with 2 skus or alienate them with the non-standard hdd and high prices. It's a flawed plan imo.
fortified_concept said:
According to folks here Xbox users who migrate to the core system won't care that it doesn't have a HD... which is weird as hell to me because the first thing out of almost every Xbox person I f'n know is "Look what I can do with the HD!" All these people are gonna pop for the $399 unit without a complaint?
Hey you know what I really hope MS is right on this one... their competition has been good for the industry.
TheInkyVoid
Member
DarienA said:
Huh?
sonycowboy said:
I just don't believe this for a tiny second. You know what else leads me to not believe it? Sony had 2 SKUs for PSP in Japan, but specifically released only the more expensive SKU in the USA. They know importance by territory.
And here's the other reason. When the bundle reaches "$449-$499", that is when mainstream consumers officially jump ship. NO ONE but the hardest of the hardcore is ever going to sniff in the direction of a console priced that high this gen, and it'll gimp Sony hard. Then how do you decide to break down the SKUs? If the percentage for that absurdly priced pack is too high, Sony has just shot itself in the leg. It's just not worth the trouble it will inevitably bring. The HDD has never been an integral part of Sony's plan, they like a much more open-ended environment that caters to a specific, large-scale demographic. I don't see them ever bending over backwards to fracture their userbase for something they haven't even made an issue of yet.
Now if at TGS they suddenly start to sing the praises of online gaming with a comprehensive PLAYSTATION WORLD strategy and the benefits of HDD, I might think something is up. But it doesn't fit what we know, not at all. Feel free to disagree, but Sony is not Microsoft. I don't think they will try to chase Microsoft SKU strategy. This is Sony's game to lose.
TheInkyVoid
Member
There was competition before MS entered the console market.
There will be competition after MS exits the console market.
There will be competition after MS exits the console market.
sonycowboy
Member
mrklaw said:
Mostly true, however the PS3 does have some mitigating factors:
a) It will have backwards compatability even if you don't have a hard drive.
b) It will support less expensive mass storage options than a 64MB memory card for $40 . It will be able to use SD & memory stick cards, which go up to GB of data for very low costs and the SD option is non proprietary to Sony. Yes, people might be able to use USB based solutions, but those are still a good bit more expensive than SD. It's also not clear that Microsoft will support that since memory cards are on the excluded licensable accessories and is something Microsoft might lock down for security.
c) We'll have to see what Sony does regarding the wireless controller. Given that they opted for having Bluetooth being built-in to the system, I don't see them having first party wired controllers, but we'll see.
d) Sony's core system also will have a true next gen optical drive & built-in wifi. Basically, it's core system will be pretty darn inclusive of features vs the "bare bones" Xbox core pack.
e) Playstation fans weren't trolling Xbox fans for their system having a HDD standard or for being $400
sonycowboy
Member
Amir0x said:
You've touched on the difference between the PSP bundle and the possible PS3 bundle. The PSP bundle has accessories that are NOT required for gaming (other than the memory card that many people will want to buy another size for at a relatively low cost). A wrist strap, headphones, remote control, and a protective case are accessories in the true sense. However, the HDD will be important next generation for a variety of uses. While both sides are reluctant to commit to having it standard because of costs and pricing manueverability down the road, they really, really ALOT want folks to have it.
Look at the adoption rate of accessories. Other than a memory card which is truly required, but not packed standard, no other accessory comes close to even 10% adoption. If that's true for the HDD, many aspects of both Sony's & Microsoft's agendas will have an almost impossible time moving forward. Downloadable content as a standard practice, microtransactions, movies & music as part of the "living room hub" content, and Tivo style applications will be lost in any meaningful way.
I think an HDD bundle is incredibly important for both sides, because bundles sell worlds better than standalone accessories.
Lord Error
Insane For Sony
There's a 2.5" HDD slot at the bottom of the PS3 (when it sits in the vertical position)Reilly said:
sonycowboy said:
You left out Compact Flash support for the PS3 as well, and if it's a standard Type-II CF connector it should also support Microdrives, which have GB-sized solutions available.
sonycowboy said:
It wouldn't surprise me if 1st party controllers are only wireless - though I think they should come up with some more reliable connection option for the USB cable connection to the controller, so when you're playing and charging at the same time you don't accidentally rip the thing out of the controller. That might require a proprietary cable though.
sonycowboy said:
Though I question the wisdom of having built-in wifi, but not having a bridge built-in so one can use the switch across the wifi connection as well.
sonycowboy
Member
DarienA said:
Uhhh,
It has more competition than this generation, IMO.
Saturn was viable for quite a while and the N64 was almost tied with the PSOne early on. This generation was a blowout for Sony from beginning to end. In fact, Sony's market share will almost certainly be higher this generation than last.
sonycowboy said:
I disregard the N64 statement because as you said that was only early on... as for the Saturn comment... quite a while? I know you have better access to the figures than I do, but I just don't remember it being that close.
Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the N64 actually outsold the Playstation in the U.S. in 1998. Zelda was obviously a big factor, as was the growing success of Goldeneye.
In Japan, the Saturn did much better than in other regions so that could've given Sony a run for its money too (the N64, OTOH, did not do nearly as well there) but I don't know any specifics about that.
In Japan, the Saturn did much better than in other regions so that could've given Sony a run for its money too (the N64, OTOH, did not do nearly as well there) but I don't know any specifics about that.
sonycowboy said:
But it really isn't part of Sony's main agenda. Sony's agenda is to sell buttloads of software in short time periods. Sony barely touched on its online service at E3, in fact during that period in suggested it wasn't even sure it had decided yet on what to do. How did microtransactions and downloadable content suddenly become a HUGE factor of Sony's plan? Sure, they most likely will offer it to a large degree, but I do not think it's this central factor like Microsoft has always had it to be.
There are a billion ways to deliver movies and music to PS3, and people who want that will buy the accessories to do it. Sony knows that. They're not going to shoot themselves in the leg for a shaky, almost experimental prospect of including HDD at 449-499. They just won't. Microsoft has thrown the door wide open for them, and Sony is NOT stupid.
Offering multiple SKUs is stupid. I don't care what posturing both camps have about it, that's all it is. And I don't see Sony making that mistake. They will make others, sure, but that's one thing I can't see happening.
sonycowboy said:
That's why I say Sony will release a second PS3 SKU with an HDD two or three years down the road. Existing owners can still buy the optional add-on to "catch up," while the new, "bulky" PS3 expands the base of HDD owners and allows Sony to further its agenda.
Call the failed white PSX an experiment. Sony'll get it right with a second incarnation of PS3.
Nightbringer
Don´t hit me for my bad english plase
I believe that the SKU will be one SKU+Wired Controller+Composite Cables with a price of 299 dolars.
The reason is that the people thas is waiting for the PS3 is more people than those that are waiting for 360, selling the PS3 for 300 dolars can kill the 360.
The reason is that the people thas is waiting for the PS3 is more people than those that are waiting for 360, selling the PS3 for 300 dolars can kill the 360.
Guy LeDouche
Banned
oh yeah. what were the details on that, again?Wakune said:
I was thinking like FFXI, but with a more western game and with many different versions. Hell, kick it off with a MGS4 pack (after announcing PS3-exclusive
), then RE5 (optimized loading + expansion DLC later on), GT5 (oh god, make it so), God of War [img-homerdrool], etc.Geez, so much tunnel-vision around here when it comes to the hard drive. With support for common flash formats and connectivity with standard USB storage devices, a hard drive is pretty much irrelevant when it comes to storage, especially in this age of digital cameras, iPods, flash drives, mobile devices, and so on.
You want a two SKU concept? Here's a doozy:
Basic Gaming SKU:
Playstation 3 current spec, basic AV cables, wireless controller, no HDD, $299.
Home Theater SKU:
Playstation 3 current spec + RECORDABLE Blu-ray, HDMI cables, wireless controller, remote, still no damn HDD, $499.
You know, since Microsoft is (correctly) letting go of the built-in hard drive concept, it's okay to let go of the brainwashing that somehow a hard drive is the only possible way to store data/download content/playback media/play online/etc.
With support for common flash formats and connectivity with standard USB storage devices, a hard drive is pretty much irrelevant when it comes to storage, especially in this age of digital cameras, iPods, flash drives, mobile devices, and so on.You want a two SKU concept? Here's a doozy:
Basic Gaming SKU:
Playstation 3 current spec, basic AV cables, wireless controller, no HDD, $299.
Home Theater SKU:
Playstation 3 current spec + RECORDABLE Blu-ray, HDMI cables, wireless controller, remote, still no damn HDD, $499.
You know, since Microsoft is (correctly) letting go of the built-in hard drive concept, it's okay to let go of the brainwashing that somehow a hard drive is the only possible way to store data/download content/playback media/play online/etc.
Guy LeDouche
Banned
I'm pretty sure Sony (specifically KK) has talked about microtransactions and DLC being a definate goal next gen.Amir0x said:
Hah, I like that. The main problem with the X360 skus is that you get a fair amount for your extra $100, so why buy the $299 version? Price them farther apart, but with a greater gap in tech and you really could have 2 SKUs. Maybe $350 with a memory stick and some other shit?Sea Manky said:
Sea Manky said:Geez, so much tunnel-vision around here when it comes to the hard drive.
NOWHERE has it been confirmed that you'll be able to use other devices for storage. Not for either system.
Undeniably Me
Member
At least $599.
DarienA said:
No, but this is a speculation thread, and considering Sony's current move towards more standard formats and interfaces and MS touting connectivity with the iPod and PSP, it's certainly a feasible alternative to the "harddriveharddriveharddriveharddriveharddriveharddriveharddrive" meme that's currently running in circles.
And I think Dr. Cogent needs to read up on Blu-ray.
Sea Manky said:
Besides that one is speculation, while the other is fact... thing is MS has demo'd the X360 at least twice now including this current showing, and while they demo'd the connectivity functionality and it's never mentioned anything about other storage options, but hey I understand what you're saying.
sonycowboy
Member
Dr_Cogent said:
:lol :lol :lol :lol
What the hell are you talking about??
Beside the fact that it's been available for well over a year in Japan already, it's launching Day 1 with the ROM format for the standards compliant release. It's a HUGE part of the Blu-Ray groups focus.
Spider_Jerusalem
Member
If what Kutaragi said is true ("PS3's price won't be affordable to normal households"), I'm expecting a PS3 base version (console+wireless controller) at no less than 349$, maybe 399$. Then maybe there'll be another version with the added HD and other accessories at 100$ more.
By that time, I'm expecting MS lowering its SKUs at least 50$, selling the Core system at 249$ and the other at 349$. So the cheaper MS offering would cost at least 100$ less than the cheaper Sony offering.
One more possibility is that Sony, seeing the offer made by MS, could decide to make some components optional (ie WiFi), lowering production costs and pursuing a more aggressive pricing to reach at least a 50$ difference from the cheaper X360 price.
By that time, I'm expecting MS lowering its SKUs at least 50$, selling the Core system at 249$ and the other at 349$. So the cheaper MS offering would cost at least 100$ less than the cheaper Sony offering.
One more possibility is that Sony, seeing the offer made by MS, could decide to make some components optional (ie WiFi), lowering production costs and pursuing a more aggressive pricing to reach at least a 50$ difference from the cheaper X360 price.
DarienA said:
Have you ever asked one of those 'folks' what exactly it was they could do with the HDD? Cause I don't see much apart from speeding up a bit of loading (not worth $100 IMO) and ripping CDs (which you don't need to do now, just stream from your PC, ipod, other mp3 player)
Certainly there are other restraints on console development more restricting than the HDD, or lack thereof.
Unlike DVD, both Blu-Ray and the shitty HD-DVD are being developed as recordable media from the get-go, and in fact it's arguable that such is their main purpose above providing HD RO content.
Nevertheless, the differences between a ROM drive and a recordable drive is HUGE, especially initially. I would figure a ROM drive to be as little as 1/3 (or less) the cost of a recordable drive. Thus, a BRD-RW drive in a PS3 priced at only $499 is far, far too low. $699 at the absolute minimum in my opinion.
Doesn't really matter though, I think Sony's PSX experiment proved that a writable drive in a game system is a bit overkill.
Nevertheless, the differences between a ROM drive and a recordable drive is HUGE, especially initially. I would figure a ROM drive to be as little as 1/3 (or less) the cost of a recordable drive. Thus, a BRD-RW drive in a PS3 priced at only $499 is far, far too low. $699 at the absolute minimum in my opinion.
Doesn't really matter though, I think Sony's PSX experiment proved that a writable drive in a game system is a bit overkill.
Dr_Cogent said:
Well, you certainly talk out of your ass. Recordable Blu-Ray has been available in Japan for a while now, the standard specifications for the recordable and ROM version are different though - hence the continuing evolution of the ROM version of the format. You certainly won't be seeing recordable Blu-Ray in any PS3 SKU though.
mrklaw said:
....perception klaw... perception. And you've correctly identified what most folks use their HD for of course as well as saying... and you know... I know everybody likes to think that all console owners own PC's and own MP3's players... but they don't. Many do own PC's, fewer own MP3 players.
DarienA said:
sure. And I'm certain that MS did post launch research on the uses of the HDD in Xbox 1. And they made a call based on that. It happens that they might be encouraging people to use - gasp - PCs and mp3 players (must recommend playforsure
) to do your streaming music.Yes some people won't have access to a PC (or at least a home network) or mp3 player. So MS is pushing the envelope. Show 'the futur' and therefore even more 'potential'.
At the end of the day, the HDD was just a cell in an excel table, and when they typed the numbers in, it lit up in red pixels.
CosmicGroinPull
Member
I prefer Swedish meatballs with that.
*and if you're wondering, no, I'm not.
*and if you're wondering, no, I'm not.
Kleegamefan
K. LEE GAIDEN
bycha said:
I think for KK, the most important audience for that "EXPENSIVE" rhetoric is MS.....and the dumbasses took the bait, leaving SCEI with about a million pricing options now....